The once-decimated Los Angeles Dodgers starting rotation has rounded back into form within the past two weeks, and may soon receive another boost in the form of Walker Buehler. The rookie right-hander has been on the 10-day disabled list since June 12.
Buehler sustained a right rib microfracture as a result of being struck by a line drive, but the injury wasn’t discovered until nearly three weeks after he was hit. Buehler was removed from his June 8 start due to what was initially diagnosed as rib soreness.
Two days later it was said Buehler had bruised ribs, and the microfracture was then discovered within the next two days, prompting the stint on the disabled list.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts didn’t set a specific timetable for Buehler but estimated he would be sidelined for at least two weeks. The 23-year-old has thrown multiple bullpen sessions in recent days.
After the latest, Buehler noted his improved condition and desire to get back on the mound, via Ken Gurnick of MLB.com:
“I want to get going as fast as possible, but as usual people with a higher pay grade have a longer-term plan and we’ll kind of go with that,” said Buehler. “There’s still some lingering stuff, but it’s not sharp. Against Atlanta [on June 8], I couldn’t breathe, so that’s a pretty good barometer. For a week after that I had trouble getting out of bed and with every-day movements. But now I’m moving pretty good.”
Roberts intimated a rehab assignment would be likely before the club activated Buehler off the 10-day DL. It’s a prospect that’s all the more feasible considering the improved state of the starting rotation.
If or when Buehler returns, the Dodgers may temporarily opt for a six-man rotation. They are in a stretch that calls for 23 games in 24 days before the All-Star break.
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